The UK's most complete GLP-1 guide
Every Question Answered. Every Side Effect Explained.
- How GLP-1 medications work
- Mounjaro vs Wegovy compared
- Injection instructions
- Side effects & solutions
- What to eat on treatment
- FAQs answered
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Can You Get Wegovy On The NHS In The UK?
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a prescription-only GLP-1 receptor agonist licensed for weight management in the UK, but NHS access is limited and varies significantly by region. Access through the NHS is available via specialist tier 3 weight management services following GP referral, though waiting lists can be lengthy. Understanding NHS eligibility criteria, how the NICE guidance applies, and the difference between NHS and private access will help you explore your weight management options effectively.
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Enter your height and weight below. Supports both imperial (stone & lbs) and metric (kg). Results include NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity adjustments.
What Is BMI and Why Does It Matter?
Body Mass Index (BMI) is the most widely used screening tool for assessing whether your weight falls within a healthy range. Used by the NHS, GPs, and weight management services across the UK, BMI provides a quick snapshot of your weight relative to your height. The formula is simple: your weight in kilograms divided by your height in metres squared (kg/m²).
While BMI isn't a perfect measure — it doesn't account for muscle mass, bone density, or fat distribution — it remains the standard first step in identifying potential weight-related health risks including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
The NHS also recommends adjusted thresholds for people of South Asian, Chinese, or Black African heritage — a BMI of 23 or above is classified as overweight, and 27.5 as obese. Our calculator includes this adjustment as a one-click toggle.
NHS Eligibility And Access Pathway For Wegovy
NHS eligibility for Wegovy requires: Adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27–29.9 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health condition (type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal blood fats, sleep apnoea, or cardiovascular disease history). For adults of South Asian, Chinese, Black African, or Black Caribbean heritage, lower BMI thresholds apply — eligibility may start at BMI 27.5 or above due to higher health risks at lower BMI levels.
NHS access route: Referral to a tier 3 specialist multidisciplinary weight management service through your GP. These services are available in most regions but capacity is limited and waiting times vary considerably — some areas have waiting lists extending months or longer. Not all tier 3 services offer GLP-1 medications. Your GP can advise whether your local service can prescribe Wegovy and the typical waiting time in your area.
NICE guidance: The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide (Wegovy), as a treatment option within specialist weight management services for eligible adults. However, NICE guidance does not automatically assures NHS access — funding and commissioning decisions are made by individual Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), and availability remains patchy across the UK.
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How It Works
Three simple steps to understand your weight and take action.
Enter your height and weight in our free calculator. Get your BMI, NHS category, healthy weight range, and ethnicity-adjusted thresholds instantly.
If your BMI suggests you're overweight or obese, explore our GLP-1 calculators to project potential weight loss on Mounjaro or Wegovy.
Use our progress tracker to log your weight weekly, visualise your journey with charts, and stay motivated — all stored privately in your browser.
Free Weight Loss Tools & Guides
Everything you need to understand your weight, explore medication options, and track your progress — completely free.
NHS Vs Private Wegovy Access In The UK
NHS access: Free at the point of use following clinical assessment through tier 3 services, but limited availability, long waiting times, and inconsistent provision across regions. Prescribed alongside lifestyle support from the specialist team.
Private access: Available through GPhC-registered online pharmacies following an online consultation with a UK-licensed prescriber. No referral or NHS waiting list needed. Costs range from approximately £129–£180 per month depending on dose. Faster access — prescriptions issued within days if clinically appropriate.
Clinical assessment: Both routes require a thorough clinical assessment to confirm suitability. Your GP can discuss both options and help you understand which route is most appropriate for your circumstances. Use our free GLP-1 weight loss calculator to explore potential outcomes, and our BMI calculator to understand your current health metrics in NHS context.
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 22.5% body weight loss (SURMOUNT-1)
- Weekly injection, dose escalation over 20+ weeks
- Available via private prescription in the UK
- Doses: 2.5mg → 5mg → 7.5mg → 10mg → 12.5mg → 15mg
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- Up to 15–17% body weight loss (STEP trials)
- Weekly injection, 5-step dose escalation
- NHS & private prescription available
- Doses: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg
Mounjaro vs Wegovy: Head-to-Head
A side-by-side comparison of the two most popular GLP-1 weight loss medications available in the UK.
| Feature | Mounjaro | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | Dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist | GLP-1 agonist |
| Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide |
| Avg. weight loss | 15–22.5% | 12–17% |
| Key trial | SURMOUNT-1 (2022) | STEP 1 (2021) |
| Max dose | 15 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Escalation period | 20–32 weeks | 16–20 weeks |
| Administration | Weekly injection (pen) | Weekly injection (pen) |
| NHS availability | Private prescription only | NHS & private |
| Approx. private cost | £150–£250/month | £150–£300/month |
| Common side effects | Nausea, diarrhoea, constipation | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea |
Data sourced from SURMOUNT-1 and STEP 1 clinical trials. Costs are approximate and vary by provider. Always consult a prescriber.
Am I Eligible for Weight Loss Medication?
In the UK, eligibility for GLP-1 weight loss medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy is based on your BMI and overall health profile.
- BMI of 30 or above (obese)
- Age 18 or over
- No contraindicated conditions
- Committed to lifestyle changes
- BMI of 27 or above
- Plus type 2 diabetes
- Or high blood pressure
- Or obstructive sleep apnoea
Use our BMI calculator to check whether your BMI falls within the eligible range.
How We Built These Tools
Every calculator and guide on myweightcheck is built with accuracy and transparency in mind. Our BMI calculator uses the standard WHO formula with NHS-aligned category thresholds. Our GLP-1 projections are modelled on published clinical trial data from SURMOUNT and STEP studies.
All data stays on your device. We don't require sign-ups, and we don't store your health information on any server. Your progress tracker saves data locally in your browser using localStorage, so only you can see it.
We're based in the UK and our tools are designed specifically for UK users — supporting stone & lbs by default, referencing NHS guidelines, using NICE-approved medication data, and linking to GPhC-registered pharmacies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about BMI, weight loss medications, and our free UK tools.
What is the NHS waiting time for Wegovy weight management treatment?
Waiting times vary significantly by region and local ICB. Some areas have waiting lists of 6–12 months; others may be longer. Contact your GP to ask about current waiting times in your local tier 3 weight management service. Private access typically offers faster availability if you choose that route.
Is semaglutide the same as Wegovy?
Semaglutide is the active ingredient; Wegovy is the brand name. Ozempic is also semaglutide but licensed for type 2 diabetes (different dose, different indication). Wegovy is specifically licensed for weight management in the UK at doses up to 2.4 mg weekly.
Can my GP prescribe Wegovy directly, or do I need a specialist?
Wegovy is typically only available through specialist tier 3 weight management services via NHS referral, not through standard GP prescribing. Your GP can refer you but cannot usually prescribe it directly. Private online prescribers can issue prescriptions without NHS referral if you meet eligibility criteria.
How does Wegovy compare to Mounjaro for NHS access?
Both Wegovy (semaglutide GLP-1) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide GIP/GLP-1 dual agonist) are available through NHS tier 3 services with similar eligibility criteria. Clinical trial data shows Mounjaro may produce slightly higher average weight loss (~20.9% vs ~14.9%), though individual results vary significantly. Choice depends on clinical assessment and availability in your area.
What does the STEP trial tell us about Wegovy's effectiveness?
The STEP-1 trial showed adults taking Wegovy 2.4 mg lost an average of approximately 14.9% of body weight over 68 weeks alongside diet and exercise, compared to smaller losses with placebo. Results varied — some lost more, some less. NHS weight management services use this evidence alongside individual assessment to determine suitability.
Ready to take control of your weight loss journey?
Start with a free BMI check, explore your GLP-1 options, or begin tracking your progress today. No sign-up. No cost. Just results.